The Feast of the Ascension 2026
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The Ascension is the foundational Christian belief that The Son of God physically departed from Earth and ascended into Heaven.
In Christianity, it marks the completion of his earthly mission and his exaltation to the right hand of God, celebrated forty days after Easter. The narrative is primarily found in the New TestamentActs 1:3–11, Luke 24:50–53, and Mark 16:19.
It recounts Jesus taking his disciples to the Mount of Olives near Bethany, blessing them, and being lifted up into the clouds. In theology, Jesus ascending to sit at the right hand of God represents the final completion of His saving work on Earth.
It symbolizes His supreme authority over all creation.
Before ascending, Christ commanded the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the coming of the Holy Spirit (Pentecost), which would empower them to continue His mission.
The Feast of the Ascension is celebrated internationally as a Holy Day of Obligation in many denominations, it always falls on a Thursday, exactly 40 days after Easter.
In many parts of the United States and other countries, the observance of the Solemnity of the Ascension is transferred from the traditional Thursday to the following Sunday.
Glory be to God and the Heavenly Host.